Written Answers Nos. 1188-1205
1188. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of taxi services for the disability sector at present, particularly in circumstances in which persons were collected from their home before the pandemic. [32575/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has no statutory obligation to provide transport services and funding is not provided. However, some transport supports are provided by the HSE or funded agencies on a discretionary basis. A variety of transport solutions are pursued in each CHO area, including:
- Travel training by service providers or families to enable public transport to be used upon commencement of their day programme where applicable.
- Service providers provide transport where available capacity exists.
- Local transport e.g. Local Link, private bus transport providers and taxis, funded via a combination of service provider, HSE funding, service user contribution, and / or combined funding to meet the transport requirements identified.
- HSE local funding, where available, is utilised to support service providers to provide transport solutions for service users.
- Families agree to transport service users to service providers.
In general, disability service users are in receipt of disability allowance and are automatically entitled to the Free Travel Pass.
The HSE was successful in securing Dormant Account monies to fund a project to map all Disability transport routes nationally, via information gathering by Disability Service providers and HSE Services who provide transport. The outputs of this study will be used as a basis for considering how to improve access to disability services and how to best make use of local resources.
The availability of safe transport is essential to the delivery of Day Services across the country. Reduced capacity on vehicles will mean more journeys to facilitate those that require a transport service to access their day service location.
As services resume it will be necessary to identify how transport can continue to be provided in as safe a manner as possible and strictly within social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions. Transport providers will have to demonstrate that their transport services are safe and that all COVID-19 precautions have been established and observed. The guidance includes general guidelines and a risk assessment matrix on safe transport. While family members are to be encouraged to transport the individual to Day Services, this will not always be possible depending on the family circumstances and in these cases, there will continue to be a reliance on bus transport.
Transport is a theme of the National Disability Inclusion strategy, and Action 104 of this strategy states: 'We will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.”
As part of the mid-term review of the NDIS, there will be a focus on promoting collaborative approaches to cross-cutting issues, and the working group on transport (Action 104), was convened by the Department of Justice and Equality in February 2020, with a focus on identifying opportunities for collaboration between transport and other public bodies to promote greater mobility for people with disabilities.
1190. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if surgery will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32601/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such as the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a new medical card will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32595/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1193. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) can continue providing services to children with disabilities during level 5 restrictions; and if the organisation will fall under the exemption for sport training for school-aged children. [32608/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1194. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if gymnasiums can be kept open through level 5 in order to enable persons to engage in individual training to support their physical and mental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32610/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1232. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if consideration was given to allowing outdoor fitness classes to continue under level 5; and if he will consider allowing gyms to operate under tighter parameters if required to facilitate individual training. [32728/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1237. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will consider permitting gyms to remain open under level 5 restrictions in order to ensure that persons’ physical and mental health must remain a priority during these times with knowledge that gyms run a strict pre-booking service for slots (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32748/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1270. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if he will consider allowing gyms to open under level 5 restrictions in view of their importance for mental and physical health of persons particularly during the winter months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32862/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1473. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if extracurricular music, art, and dance classes will be allowed to commence following all health guidelines under level 3 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33939/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1194, 1232, 1237, 1270 and 1473 together.
At the outset I would like to say that I fully understand how important exercise and other cultural activities are for people's physical and mental health, particularly in the winter months.
The Government's medium-term strategy Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19, sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.
The Plan sets out five levels of response, each with a number of measures designed to help us all lower COVID-19 transmission and setting out what is permitted at that moment in time. It aims to allow society and businesses to be able to operate as normally as possible, while continuing to suppress the virus. Each level outlines what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services.
The Plan reflects a careful consideration of the impact of the introduction of restrictions on employment and livelihoods, keeping as many businesses open as possible at different stages, while acknowledging that some businesses and services are critical. It acknowledges that sports, arts and other social activities are central to our well-being and that sports and arts are also the world of work for our many in our communities.
As I am sure you can appreciate, COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. COVID-19 is infectious in a person with no symptoms, or for the period of time before they develop symptoms.
You will be aware that in response to the rapidly deteriorating epidemiological situation across the country, Ireland has moved to level 5 of Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19. This means closing many businesses and amenities to reduce the person-to-person contacts which allow the virus to spread.
At level 5, gyms and leisure centres are closed and no exercise or dance classes are permitted. Individual training only is allowed and people must exercise within 5km of home. It is possible to meet with 1 other household in an outdoor setting which is not a home or garden, such as a park, including for the purpose of exercise.
No organised indoor gatherings such as events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events (excluding sport), are permitted at level 5.
The Government's guidelines for indoor gatherings and exercise and sporting events at all levels of the Plan are available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/. Level 5 guidance from Sport Ireland is available at: https://www.sportireland.ie/news/return-to-sport-expert-group-issues-guidance-to-sports-sector.
1195. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to achieve pay parity and address the two tier pay issue for hospital consultants both on type A, B and C contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32612/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1196. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he has entered into negotiations with the health unions and representative groups on achieving pay equality for hospital consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32613/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1195 and 1196 together.
At present 'new entrant' consultants recruited since 1 October 2012 are on lower pay scales than those recruited prior to that date. The Programme for Government provides for the finalisation of the new Sláintecare 'Type A' Consultant Contract and the introduction of related legislation to support 'public-only work' in public hospitals. Those who take up the Sláintecare Contract, as new entrants or switchers from the current Type A, B or C Contracts, will benefit from the Type A Pay Scales currently available to 'pre-1 October 2012' Type A Consultants.
The FEMPI Acts currently prohibit pay increases for serving public servants and will require amendment to enable pay increases for serving consultants who move to the Sláintecare 'public only' Consultant Contract.
A draft Bill providing for this legislative amendment is being prepared and it is envisaged that this legislation will be progressed as a priority. My Department will at the same time engage with the representative bodies on the introduction of the Contract.
1198. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the rules that apply for taxi services to Dublin Airport if the distance from home or work is more than 5 km to the airport but still within County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32624/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 was published by the Government on 15 September, 2020. This Plan provides a framework setting out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.
The framework sets out five levels of response, each with a number of measures designed to help us all lower COVID-19 transmission and setting out what is permitted at that moment in time. It is framed to account for periods during which there is a low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is a high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. It recognises the need for society and business to be allowed to continue as normally as possible and is designed so that either national or county level restrictions can be applied.
The Plan reflects a careful consideration of the impact of the introduction of restrictions on employment and livelihoods, keeping as many businesses open as possible at different stages, while acknowledging that some businesses and services are critical. It acknowledges that sports, arts and other social activities are central to our well-being and that sports and arts are also the world of work for our many in our communities.
Ireland has moved from a short-term emergency response approach to a medium-term approach to managing risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is now at Level 5 of the Plan. Under Level 5, people are asked to stay at home at all times unless they have a reasonable excuse for travelling. The relevant regulations, as set out in SI No. 448 of 2020, provide for a number of exemptions to this requirement to remain at home, including travel to and from work, where work involves providing an essential service; to attend education; to attend medical appointments and collect medicines and other health products; to travel to attend disability day services; to travel to attend a court; for food shopping; to take school aged children to permitted training; for vital family reasons, such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people; for farming purposes; to attend a wedding or funeral or to visit a grave; and to take exercise within 5 km of home.
Details of public health measures in place at Level 5, including domestic travel and essential services are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/
1200. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will bring forward restrictions for bookmaker outlets to protect staff and clients from Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32620/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1217. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if dog day care centres can remain open under current level 5 guidelines. [32686/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1384. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if weight consultation and weight loss support groups are an essential service (details supplied). [33484/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1200, 1217 and 1384 together.
Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 which was published by the Government, sets out Ireland's approach to managing and living with COVID-19 in a range of areas over the next 6 - 9 months.
The Plan sets out five levels of response, each with a number of measures designed to help us all lower COVID-19 transmission and setting out what is permitted at that moment in time. It aims to allow society and businesses to be able to operate as normally as possible, while continuing to suppress the virus. Each level outlines what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services.
The Plan reflects a careful consideration of the impact of the introduction of restrictions on employment and livelihoods, keeping as many businesses open as possible at different stages, while acknowledging that some businesses and services are critical.
You will be aware that Ireland is now at level 5 of Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19. At level 5, only essential retail and essential services are permitted to open and all other retail and services are closed. Bookmaker outlets are have not been classified as essential retailers.
Details of level 5 measures, including essential retail and essential services, are available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/
Current regulations and other Statutory Instruments related to the Covid-19 pandemic are available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/
1201. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide data on confirmed Covid-19 infection among persons in the age group from four to 12 and 13 to 18 years, respectively, by week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32633/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1202. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if clarity will be provided to persons or companies that provide services related to weddings including hairdressers, make-up artist and other related services; and if these services can be utilised outside of a salon setting at the wedding venue in view of the new level 5 restrictions. [32636/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1299. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if beauty therapists, hairdressers and photographers can still operate to provide their services to brides, grooms and facilitate weddings going ahead in view of the fact weddings of 25 persons are allowed to go ahead under level 5. [32996/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1307. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the guidelines in place for weddings taking place under level 5 of the Living with Covid plan; the maximum number of guests permitted; if guests are permitted to stay overnight at a venue; if guests, the wedding party and associated persons can travel outside of the 5 km restrictions to attend the wedding; if musicians are permitted to attend and play at ceremonies and receptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33051/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1202, 1299 and 1307 together.
The Government has provided guidelines for weddings taking place at Level 5 of the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19.
25 guests may attend the wedding ceremony and wedding reception and this 25 does not include the persons getting married or persons attending in a professional capacity.
Guests are permitted to travel to attend the wedding and a minister of religion or priest is permitted to travel to conduct wedding services.
Hotel accommodation may be provided for 25 guests and the persons getting married.
Personal services such as hair and make-up services are not permitted at Level 5 in any setting and wedding dress shops are closed to the public.
It is permitted to have a baker provide a cake and it is permitted to have a photographer provide their services.
Live music and dancing are not permitted at Level 5 and the wedding reception must be fully seated. Novelty supplies and acts are also not permitted.
The wedding guidelines are available here: https://covid19.failteireland.ie/industry-updates/government-update-on-wedding-guidelines-october-21-2020/
1203. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the rules with regards to level 5 restrictions regarding the attendance of a designated partner in maternity wards, specifically the terms included in compassionate grounds, and if there is scope for discretion by individual doctors in this regard. [32637/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1204. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32638/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is the regulatory body for the professions of nursing and midwifery in Ireland. It has a statutory obligation to protect the integrity of the practice of the professions of nursing and midwifery and to protect the public.
Further details about the NMBI language standards are available on its website. Those who do not meet the required minimum test scores are not eligible to apply for registration; however, they can retake the test.
To register as a nurse or midwife, NMBI requires those applicants from EU/EEA and Non-EU/EEA countries who do not complete their training programme through English to demonstrate English language competency by achieving the approved score in a recognised English Language Assessment.
In April 2020, the NMBI applied amendments to its English language requirements for nurses and midwives who did not complete their qualifications through English. These amendments, which are the result of a review that began in 2019, better relate to requirements for day to day practice while ensuring that the appropriate standard of English language is still maintained. They also bring Ireland into line with other international health regulators who have also recently reviewed language standards. The NMBI intend to further review the amendments after 12 months.
In regard to visas, information provided by the Department of Justice and Equality states that applications for an employment visa on the Atypical Working Scheme for Nurses are processed in accordance with visa procedures. Applicants must satisfy English Language Competency and Qualifications guidelines of the HSE and NMBI. Employment visas applications are generally turned around quickly, but some types take longer than others. Carers, unless in a private domestic setting, are on the ineligible list of occupations and therefore will not qualify for a work permit. Further information can be provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service at:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Atypical%20Working%20Scheme%20Guidelines
1205. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the status of planned new primary care centres in Kilrush, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32656/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
